A car shaped like this may not be pleasant to a lot. And as I walked round the car with a little negativity hindering my professional point of view, someone from behind posed me a question.
"So, how's the hearse?" was one I didn't quite know how to answer.
Ignore him I did. Especially for a family-oriented person like me, it's a fine looking car. The facelifted front end, with the silver metallic paint makes it look mean. Some people have mentioned that the wheels look a bit small, but again, water off a duck's back. And speaking of water, in duck-friendly weather, the All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) grip is appreciated. When you're really on it, the Dynamic Stability and Traction Control (DSTC) reduces the engine's power output, to maintain a neutral stance.
So off I went, driving in the rain, dominating the highway.
This is one of the best and also the most powerful engine available at Volvo at this point in time and whatever hair I have on my back is still standing. For real. I feel like I have just finished a 200-metre sprint race and there is a rush of blood to my head. In this state, I believe I am permitted to some journalistic liberty, so please kindly indulge me.
Exterior
I guess it's another 'well-done-son' pat on the back for the automotive designers.
"So, how's the hearse?" was one I didn't quite know how to answer.
Ignore him I did. Especially for a family-oriented person like me, it's a fine looking car. The facelifted front end, with the silver metallic paint makes it look mean. Some people have mentioned that the wheels look a bit small, but again, water off a duck's back. And speaking of water, in duck-friendly weather, the All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) grip is appreciated. When you're really on it, the Dynamic Stability and Traction Control (DSTC) reduces the engine's power output, to maintain a neutral stance.
So off I went, driving in the rain, dominating the highway.
This is one of the best and also the most powerful engine available at Volvo at this point in time and whatever hair I have on my back is still standing. For real. I feel like I have just finished a 200-metre sprint race and there is a rush of blood to my head. In this state, I believe I am permitted to some journalistic liberty, so please kindly indulge me.
Exterior
I guess it's another 'well-done-son' pat on the back for the automotive designers.
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Despite the sportier outlook of this facelifted model, heads will not turn. But the massive headlights blending beautifully into the sweeping bonnet with black egg crates featuring chrome bars and stylish foglamps will remind you this is more than just another family car. The climbing waistline of the side also contributes to the forward leaning, dynamic stance, which is further reinforced with the assistance of the black pillars between the side windows.
Things just get bolder as you go round the back. Unlike the older models, the Volvo lettering has been spaced further apart, allowing it to spread across the back of this luxury estate car, as if making a bold statement for back drivers to see. With a spoiler impeccably added to the back together with two exhaust tailpipes and sports pedals, it completes the V70 with the sporty stance.
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Interior
Futuristic and avant-garde are the two words that come to the mind when you see the interior.
The build quality is faultless. Most notably, there's a satisfying clunk when shutting the doors. There's not a squeak or rattle in earshot when you're inside. It boasts premium materials, leaving no doubt whatsoever that everything fits perfectly, and feels expensive. The swooping dashtop with its chamfered edge suits the demographic of this car, too.
Providing a level of comfort and luxury rarely seen in its class, thanks to the spacious interior with unparalleled attention to detail and experience-enhancing touches like the electric toggle for the parking brake, which makes itself felt if activated while the driver is depressing the brake pedal. The pedal sinks a little under the pressure from the driver's foot as the parking brake is activated. The system works very well and thus, unfortunately, hand brakes are never going to be the same again. Not for me at least.
Given the comfort of the seats and their adjustability, including three options of manual settings, it's hard not to like the driving position. Combine that with a grippy 4-spoke leather-clad steering wheel and the package is uber awesome. Also, from the ample head and legroom available for passengers both front and rear to the astonishing spacious boot of 575-litres, this majestic vehicle personifies comfort.
Futuristic and avant-garde are the two words that come to the mind when you see the interior.
The build quality is faultless. Most notably, there's a satisfying clunk when shutting the doors. There's not a squeak or rattle in earshot when you're inside. It boasts premium materials, leaving no doubt whatsoever that everything fits perfectly, and feels expensive. The swooping dashtop with its chamfered edge suits the demographic of this car, too.
Providing a level of comfort and luxury rarely seen in its class, thanks to the spacious interior with unparalleled attention to detail and experience-enhancing touches like the electric toggle for the parking brake, which makes itself felt if activated while the driver is depressing the brake pedal. The pedal sinks a little under the pressure from the driver's foot as the parking brake is activated. The system works very well and thus, unfortunately, hand brakes are never going to be the same again. Not for me at least.
Given the comfort of the seats and their adjustability, including three options of manual settings, it's hard not to like the driving position. Combine that with a grippy 4-spoke leather-clad steering wheel and the package is uber awesome. Also, from the ample head and legroom available for passengers both front and rear to the astonishing spacious boot of 575-litres, this majestic vehicle personifies comfort.
The car comes with premium performance sound system with subwoofer which explains the astounding stereo. Volvo has also equipped the V70 with the auxiliary input jack for the audio system in the centre console storage bin. This is one of my current favourite features in any car and I reckon all drivers deserve to listen to their favourite tunes on their MP3 players while on the road. Makes driving less stressful, especially on roads like ours. To top it off, a warning signal comes on just above the rearview mirror when seatbelts aren't fastened. The sight of it reminds you of an aeroplane. How cool.
Instruments are easily legible and the controls require relatively little familiarity to use correctly although the bluetooth provision wouldn't connect with my Nokia, regardless of how many times I tried. In this aspect, I wouldn't be too bothered at all, given the fact that I have always been bad with technology. Personally, a hands-free device would suffice.
Well, as for interior negatives, the funky technology on the speedometer display (which I love) can be a bit tough for older people to understand. However, the drive makes up for any quibbles, especially the drivetrain.
Instruments are easily legible and the controls require relatively little familiarity to use correctly although the bluetooth provision wouldn't connect with my Nokia, regardless of how many times I tried. In this aspect, I wouldn't be too bothered at all, given the fact that I have always been bad with technology. Personally, a hands-free device would suffice.
Well, as for interior negatives, the funky technology on the speedometer display (which I love) can be a bit tough for older people to understand. However, the drive makes up for any quibbles, especially the drivetrain.
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The Drive
With an acceleration of 7.2 seconds from 0 to 100km/h and a torque of 400Nm, this sweet 3.0-litre engine is the perfect synthesis of superior performance, driving pleasure and efficiency. It seldom feels lethargic in traffic and overtaking and lane merging is accomplished with ease and confidence. This car speeds up so effortlessly that constant attention to the speedometer is essential if you want to keep your driving license. Of course, it's never just about the exceptional acceleration. Volvo's core value is - and will always be - safety.
There is the handling as well. The V70 has tremendous grip through corners. Sitting on 18" wheels, grip levels are phenomenal - making it the best way to drop the kids off to school and make it to the office before your usual morning meeting begins. Equally important, steering feel is excellent. And when things do break loose the electronic nannies rein you back to a safer angle of attack.
The Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) allows the driver to maintain a set distance between the vehicle and the car in front. This allows the driver to concentrate on one thing - driving. The Collision Warning with Auto Brake (CWAB) can also activate the brakes for the driver if it senses an impact is imminent, further reducing the braking distance in the event of a collision.
With an acceleration of 7.2 seconds from 0 to 100km/h and a torque of 400Nm, this sweet 3.0-litre engine is the perfect synthesis of superior performance, driving pleasure and efficiency. It seldom feels lethargic in traffic and overtaking and lane merging is accomplished with ease and confidence. This car speeds up so effortlessly that constant attention to the speedometer is essential if you want to keep your driving license. Of course, it's never just about the exceptional acceleration. Volvo's core value is - and will always be - safety.
There is the handling as well. The V70 has tremendous grip through corners. Sitting on 18" wheels, grip levels are phenomenal - making it the best way to drop the kids off to school and make it to the office before your usual morning meeting begins. Equally important, steering feel is excellent. And when things do break loose the electronic nannies rein you back to a safer angle of attack.
The Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) allows the driver to maintain a set distance between the vehicle and the car in front. This allows the driver to concentrate on one thing - driving. The Collision Warning with Auto Brake (CWAB) can also activate the brakes for the driver if it senses an impact is imminent, further reducing the braking distance in the event of a collision.
Although the V70's handling is safe rather than inspiring, the term GT comes to mind. But let's not kid ourselves - it's not a sports car. The V70's role is a family car. But wow, what luxury the kids and the dog have.
Conclusion
Overall, the handsome V70 T6 isn't a great drivers' car. It feels somewhat tamer and more grown-up. Although the car can be driven harder and faster, it is underpinned with ample safety options, which is what you'd want if it was packed with your family. This, of course, is its key job.
It's an easy car to live with day to day and has acres of space. At a close to $254,000 (as of 8th April 2010), the price is a tad high but reasonable. Afterall, there is never a price tag to your family's safety. As a family-man, I'd happily park one in my driveway.
Conclusion
Overall, the handsome V70 T6 isn't a great drivers' car. It feels somewhat tamer and more grown-up. Although the car can be driven harder and faster, it is underpinned with ample safety options, which is what you'd want if it was packed with your family. This, of course, is its key job.
It's an easy car to live with day to day and has acres of space. At a close to $254,000 (as of 8th April 2010), the price is a tad high but reasonable. Afterall, there is never a price tag to your family's safety. As a family-man, I'd happily park one in my driveway.
